Category: New Art

Of all the cities in the USA, I have more iconic paintings of New York architecture than any other location. That’s not too surprising when you consider that there are probably more recognizable American icons in NYC than any other city and famous landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge immediately come to mind. In this article I include my six New York City iconic paintings! History of New York City But first a little history of this great city.  It was given its name in 1664 when the British seized New Amsterdam from the Dutch. The population of New York City grew larger and more diverse over the next century and by the 1800s New York was one of the nation’s most…

Summer Scenes with House Portrait Backdrops. For those of us on the east coast, the warmer weather and longer summer days are truly a blessing. These paintings are a celebration of summer and getting out and about. They include simple, enjoyable, every-day activities that we should never take for granted. From kids playing in the streets, to walking the dog and an inquisitive boy checking out a free little library.  All have architectural backdrops that represent life and people in the city -- weather in urban areas or quiet suburbs. [caption id="attachment_17352" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Kids playing in Alexandria, VA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_17353" align="aligncenter" width="1724"] Ball game in Philadelphia, PA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_17356" align="aligncenter" width="1717"] Phone conversation in Brooklyn, NY[/caption] [caption id="attachment_17359" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Surprise flowers in Washington, DC[/caption] [caption id="attachment_17358" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Walking…

In 2019, Time Magazine included Hearst Castle on its list of the world's greatest places to visit, stating, "few places better capture the opulence of early-20th century California than Hearst Castle." I attempted to visit the castle many years ago when my mother was here in the USA for a visit. We drove for hours through heavy rain, only to find out when we got to the entrance gate there was no further tours that day due to the storm. That was disappointing, but least I have now had the chance to capture its magnificence in this painting, the latest in my Iconic American Architecture series. [caption id="attachment_28750" align="aligncenter" width="1440"] Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California[/caption] Often called La Casa Grand (“The Big House”), Hearst Castle is the crowning jewel…

The latest in my Iconic America Architecture series! [caption id="attachment_28470" align="aligncenter" width="2179"] Leisa Collins painting of Biltmore Estate[/caption] The elegant Biltmore Estate is America’s largest home. This French Renaissance castle and grounds by Asheville, North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains is truly an architectural jewel. The French Chateau-style mansion was built as a grand retreat for George W. Vanderbilt III between 1889 and 1895. The 8,000-acre estate is home to forested trails and beautiful gardens. Visiting the Biltmore is an experience like none other. It includes the most-visited winery in the nation and there is shopping, dining as well as luxury accommodations. The home features 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces! George Vanderbilt brought in the father of American landscape architecture, Fredrick Law Olmsted, to…

To those who gave their lives for freedom . . . I am honored to tell the story of the Battle of the Alamo with my pen and paint brush. My painting depicts the Alamo as it stands today, battle scarred and worn by the elements, with the Texan flag proudly flying. [caption id="attachment_27831" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, as it stands today with the Texas flag proudly flying[/caption] Today the Alamo serves as a symbol of freedom and a shrine to those who gave their lives to the cause. It is also an enduring symbol of Texans resistance to oppression and their struggle for independence, which they won shortly after. The famous saying, “Remember the Alamo!” was often heard in further battles that helped shape the…